The Hi-Life
Permanently Closed

The Hi-Life

Permanently Closed

New American eatery in historic firehouse; locally sourced menu

breakfast
great coffee
great service
historic firehouse
delicious food
friendly staff
potatoes
comfort food
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null
The Hi-Life by null

Information

5425 Russell Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 Get directions

$$

See Menu
Vegetarian options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Alcohol

Information

Static Map

5425 Russell Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 Get directions

+1 206 784 7272

$$ · Menu

Features

•Vegetarian options
•Brunch
•Lunch
•Dinner
•Alcohol
•Wine
•Beer
•Cocktails

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Brewpub Station 18 Planned for Historic Ballard Firehouse Building - Eater Seattle

"The Hi-Life was a popular brunch spot that occupied the historic Ballard firehouse building from 2004 until its closure in September 2019. Known for maintaining the building's original character, it was well-loved by the community for its distinctive large brick facade and rustic interior." - Gabe Guarente

https://seattle.eater.com/2021/7/13/22576255/station-18-planned-former-hi-life-building-ballard-old-firehouse
The Hi-Life
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Valentinetti Will Replace the Hi-Life in Ballard With Puppet Shows and Pasta - Eater Seattle

"After 15 years serving comfort food in a historic firehouse, the Hi-Life will close September 8." - Gabe Guarente

https://seattle.eater.com/2019/8/27/20834711/valentinetti-italian-restaurant-ballard-replaces-hi-life
The Hi-Life

Skylar C.

Google
We were there just as it opened on a Friday morning and were the first people in the place for about 15-20 minutes. They have just started their spring menu which includes a delicious goat cheese scramble. Also, the potatoes are exceptional. Service was quick and our food came out fast. I have been there once before when it was very busy and service was still quick and our food still came pretty fast.

Christopher W.

Google
Phenomenal service in this new American eatery in what used to be the Ballard firehouse. From the old fire pole hanging from the ceiling, to the small brass fire fighter figures, and cavernous dining area, you are reminded of this restaurant's past. The drinks at the bar are top notch, and the good is equally delicious. A brick oven glows near the kitchen for pizza, and the menu takes on a seasonal approach. On Sundays they do a family style fried chicken dinner, but go early because they only have a limited amount and sell out fairly quick.

Tom M.

Google
Great spot for a delicious breakfast inside a firehouse! The egg scramble was fantastic, and the fried potatoes were excellently seasoned and crispy. Shout out to Sergio, who was a great server and with a very pleasant attitude that made the experience that much better!

bindu G.

Google
Great breakfast place . Good service , wait time may be inevitable and the food is yum! We went there for Sunday breakfast and enjoyed the experience . Ballard market is the image with fries on the side , oat meal is the second one, freshly squeezed orange juice was refreshing . Must try

Bryan N.

Google
Good food and great coffee! I got the special French toast with eggs and bacon. The sauce on the French toast was amazing. Not your normal toast, it was thick and didn't get soggy. The coffee was really great! The inside is like a family restaurant and more traditional. I'd definitely recommend.

Britt

Google
Let me start off by saying that the building itself is nice, and pretty cool. My experience wasn’t that great. It started by being seated at the table, and noticing there are spiderwebs and dead bugs on the lamp. Then, I got my coffee cup, and there was lipstick on the cup.... our server was very nice and replaced the cup.. but the food was very mediocre. I was very unimpressed. Not only that, but the menu is totally bizarre. There are a bunch of “Hispanic” items on the menu, which is odd because the only culture in this place are the hard working cooks and staff in the kitchen. I wouldn’t recommend this palace if you’re going for a good meal.

Brittany

Google
Excellent spot for breakfast or lunch. We had a party of 9 come in for lunch and they were able to seat us immediately. They served both breakfast and lunch until 3. I got the chicken pot pie with a house salad and it was delightful. The pot pie was super thick and rich with a homemade biscuit topping, a generous portion but so ridiculously big that I couldn't finish it. The house salad was ok, it was just bib lettuce and croutons but nice to have some greens to compliment the rich dinner. Our group got a mix of breakfast and lunch and everything looked amazing. I tried a sip of the tomato basil soup and would have gotten a whole bowl of that with some crusty bread to myself. Overall A+!

Christian K.

Google
Great ambiance. I usually go here for breakfast and can only say that their breakfast dishes are generally delicious. Girlfriend loves the biscuits and gravy. A fan of their enchilada stack. Coffee is also great.